€ EUR
What Is the International Day of Yoga?
Although many yogis feel that every day is Yoga Day, June 21 was designated the official International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014, with the first IDY observed on June 21, 2015. Since then, people who do yoga all over the world have used this occasion to celebrate their practices and encourage others to discover the amazing benefits of yoga for their physical and mental health.
The Origins of International Yoga Day
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the establishment of a day of observance honouring yoga to the 69th UN General Assembly in September 2014. An impressive 175 member nations endorsed his proposal, and on December 11, 2014, the resolution was adopted proclaiming June 21 as the annual International Day of Yoga. This day was chosen to coincide with the Summer Solstice, which marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
International Yoga Day Around the World
Since its inception, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated all over the world. In India, there are often government-organized large gatherings, including one in 2023 that set a Guinness World Record for the largest yoga class with over 147,000 participants.
The Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York also hosts events each year. The International Day of Yoga coincides with Solstice Yoga in Times Square, NY, which has drawn big crowds of yogis for over 20 years.
Alongside these large events, there are many smaller celebrations at local yoga studios, schools, workplaces, and online, so there’s no need to travel to take part. Anyone who is interested in yoga is welcome to join in, regardless of nationality, religion, or fitness level.
International Yoga Day Themes
Each year, the theme is announced by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, with the theme for International Yoga Day 2025 being ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. In general, the themes reflect the overall purpose of bringing together people all over the world who do yoga, encouraging people to try yoga for the first time, and raising awareness of the health benefits of yoga for everybody.
The Global Impact of International Yoga Day
Having an official day for Yoga that’s observed worldwide is an opportunity to share the benefits of yoga far and wide and encourage beginners to step onto a mat and start their own yoga journey.
Since IDY was established in 2014, yoga’s popularity and reach have only grown. Participating in an IYD event, whether in person or online, brings our global community together.
The United Nations also has 17 Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is ‘Good Health and Well-Being’. They have often coordinated with the International Day of Yoga theme to promote yoga as a powerful tool for improving health and quality of life.
Why We Celebrate the International Day of Yoga
We recognize IDY to unite yogis all over the world and help even more people discover this amazing practice.
For yoga enthusiasts, the International Day of Yoga is an opportunity to come together in celebration of the practice that is so meaningful in our lives and encourage everyone to try it. It’s a platform for promoting health, mindfulness, and peace.
International Day of Yoga FAQs
1. When is the International Day of Yoga celebrated?
Since 2014, IDY has been celebrated every year on June 21.
2. Why was June 21 chosen for the International Day of Yoga?
June 21 is the Summer Solstice, which is the day with the most daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s an important event in the celestial calendar, the official start of summer, and a great day for yoga.
3. What is the significance of the International Day of Yoga?
IDY is a time to celebrate the practice of yoga and encourage more people to try it.
4. Is International Yoga Day a public holiday?
Not at this time, but maybe someday!
